Car comparison

Volkswagen Touareg I (7L) · Facelift 2006 6.0 W12vsMercedes-Benz M-class (W164) ML 550 V8

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

Volkswagen Touareg I (7L) · Facelift 2006

6.0 W12

450 hp5998 ccGasolineAWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedSUV2006-2010
VS

Mercedes-Benz M-class (W164)

ML 550 V8

388 hp4966 ccGasolineAWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedSUV2007-2008

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

Mercedes-Benz M-class (W164) ML 550 V8

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.8 s
  • Lightest
    2,185 kg
    4,817 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    13.1 L/100 km
    18.0 mpg US
    21.6 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    17.9 L/100 km
    13.1 mpg US
    15.8 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    10.3 L/100 km
    22.8 mpg US
    27.4 mpg UK
  • Lowest CO2 emissions
    311 g/km
  • Best estimated range
    725 km
    451 mi
  • Largest trunk
    551 L
  • Best economy score
    72/100
  • Best practicality score
    87/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelVolkswagenTouareg I (7L)Facelift 20066.0 W12Mercedes-BenzM-class (W164)ML 550 V8
Power
450hp336kW
388hp289kW
Torque
600Nm443lb-ft
530Nm391lb-ft
Curb weight
2,480kg5,467lb
2,185kg4,817lb
Gross weight
3,080kg6,790lb
2,830kg6,239lb
Top speed
280 km/h
174 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
92.6s99% target: 277 km/h / 172 mph
Calculated
92.1s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.9s
5.8s
0-200 km/h
20.1s
Calculated
22.6s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.6s
Calculated
5.5s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
15.7L/100 km15mpg US18.0mpg UK
13.1L/100 km18mpg US21.6mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
22.5L/100 km10.5mpg US12.6mpg UK
17.9L/100 km13.1mpg US15.8mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
11.7L/100 km20.1mpg US24.1mpg UK
10.3L/100 km22.8mpg US27.4mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.9s
Calculated
14.0s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
181hp/t135kW/t82hp/1000 lb
Calculated
178hp/t132kW/t81hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
242Nm/t162lb-ft/ton
Calculated
243Nm/t162lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
637km396mi
Calculated
725km451mi
Calculated
Displacement
5,998cc366cu in
4,966cc303cu in
Length
4,854mm191in
4,788mm189in
Width
1,928mm76in
1,911mm75in
Height
1,732mm68in
1,840mm72in
Wheelbase
2,855mm112in
2,915mm115in
Front track
1,640mm65in
1,627mm64in
Rear track
1,650mm65in
1,629mm64in
Ground clearance
300mm12in
-
Trunk volume
500L
551L
Max trunk volume
1,525L
2,050L
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
100L
95L
CO2 emissions
375g/km
311g/km

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

Volkswagen Touareg I (7L) Facelift 2006 6.0 W12Mercedes-Benz M-class (W164) ML 550 V8PowerTorque
  • Volkswagen Touareg I (7L) Facelift 2006 6.0 W12: Power / Torque
  • Mercedes-Benz M-class (W164) ML 550 V8: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
VolkswagenTouareg I (7L)Facelift 20066.0 W126,000 rpm3,250 rpm6,250 rpm
Mercedes-BenzM-class (W164)ML 550 V86,000 rpm2,800 rpm6,250 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricVolkswagenTouareg I (7L)Facelift 20066.0 W12Mercedes-BenzM-class (W164)ML 550 V8
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.6 s
5.5 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.9 s
5.8 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
20.1 s
22.6 s
Top speed
280 km/h
174 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.3 s
2.2 s
330 ft
101 m
6.1 s
6.0 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.2 s
9.1 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.8 s
11.7 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.9 s
14.0 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
168 km/h
105 mph
164 km/h
102 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Volkswagen Touareg I (7L) Facelift 2006 6.0 W12 has 62 hp more than Mercedes-Benz M-class (W164) ML 550 V8.

The biggest power difference is between Mercedes-Benz M-class (W164) ML 550 V8 and Volkswagen Touareg I (7L) Facelift 2006 6.0 W12: 62 hp (46 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenTouareg I (7L)Facelift 20066.0 W12
600 Nm
443 lb-ft
Mercedes-BenzM-class (W164)ML 550 V8
530 Nm
391 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenTouareg I (7L)Facelift 20066.0 W12
2,480 kg
5,467 lb
Mercedes-BenzM-class (W164)ML 550 V8
2,185 kg
4,817 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenTouareg I (7L)Facelift 20066.0 W12
280 km/h
174 mph
Mercedes-BenzM-class (W164)ML 550 V8
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Although Volkswagen Touareg I (7L) Facelift 2006 6.0 W12 has more power, Mercedes-Benz M-class (W164) ML 550 V8 is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Mercedes-Benz M-class (W164) ML 550 V8 and Volkswagen Touareg I (7L) Facelift 2006 6.0 W12: 0.1 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenTouareg I (7L)Facelift 20066.0 W12
15.7 L/100 km
15.0 mpg US
18.0 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzM-class (W164)ML 550 V8
13.1 L/100 km
18.0 mpg US
21.6 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Mercedes-Benz M-class (W164) ML 550 V8 and Volkswagen Touareg I (7L) Facelift 2006 6.0 W12: 2.6 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
VolkswagenTouareg I (7L)Facelift 20066.0 W12
181 hp/t
135 kW/t
5.5 kg/hp
Mercedes-BenzM-class (W164)ML 550 V8
178 hp/t
132 kW/t
5.6 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
VolkswagenTouareg I (7L)Facelift 20066.0 W12
450 hp
336 kW
5.9 s
280 km/h
174 mph
Mercedes-BenzM-class (W164)ML 550 V8
388 hp
289 kW
5.8 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
VolkswagenTouareg I (7L)Facelift 20066.0 W12
Power
450 hp
336 kW
0-100 km/h5.9 s
Top speed
280 km/h
174 mph
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
500 L
17.7 cu ft
Length
4,854 mm
191.1 in
Height
1,732 mm
68.2 in
Mercedes-BenzM-class (W164)ML 550 V8
Power
388 hp
289 kW
0-100 km/h5.8 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
551 L
19.5 cu ft
Length
4,788 mm
188.5 in
Height
1,840 mm
72.4 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
VolkswagenTouareg I (7L)Facelift 20066.0 W12
Power
450 hp
336 kW
0-100 km/h5.9 s
Top speed
280 km/h
174 mph
15.7 L/100 km
15.0 mpg US
18.0 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzM-class (W164)ML 550 V8
Power
388 hp
289 kW
0-100 km/h5.8 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
13.1 L/100 km
18.0 mpg US
21.6 mpg UK

Mercedes-Benz M-class (W164) ML 550 V8 is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
VolkswagenTouareg I (7L)Facelift 20066.0 W12
15.7 L/100 km
15.0 mpg US
18.0 mpg UK
5.9 s
Mercedes-BenzM-class (W164)ML 550 V8
13.1 L/100 km
18.0 mpg US
21.6 mpg UK
5.8 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
VolkswagenTouareg I (7L)Facelift 20066.0 W12
181 hp/t
135 kW/t
5.5 kg/hp
15.7 L/100 km
15.0 mpg US
18.0 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzM-class (W164)ML 550 V8
178 hp/t
132 kW/t
5.6 kg/hp
13.1 L/100 km
18.0 mpg US
21.6 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleVolkswagenTouareg I (7L)Facelift 20066.0 W12Mercedes-BenzM-class (W164)ML 550 V8
Power
450 hp
336 kW
388 hp
289 kW
Torque
600 Nm
443 lb-ft
530 Nm
391 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.9 s
5.8 s
Top speed
280 km/h
174 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
2,480 kg
5,467 lb
2,185 kg
4,817 lb
Fuel consumption
15.7 L/100 km
15.0 mpg US
18.0 mpg UK
13.1 L/100 km
18.0 mpg US
21.6 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
500 L
17.7 cu ft
Length
4,854 mm
191.1 in
Height
1,732 mm
68.2 in
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
551 L
19.5 cu ft
Length
4,788 mm
188.5 in
Height
1,840 mm
72.4 in
Range score
637 km
396 mi
725 km
451 mi
CO2 score
375 g/km
311 g/km
Trunk score
500 L
17.7 cu ft
551 L
19.5 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
181 hp/t
135 kW/t
5.5 kg/hp
178 hp/t
132 kW/t
5.6 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleVolkswagen Touareg I (7L) Facelift 2006 6.0 W12Mercedes-Benz M-class (W164) ML 550 V8
Consumption15.7 L/100 km15 mpg US18 mpg UK13.1 L/100 km18 mpg US21.6 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km27.47 LC100 km22.93 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi44.22 LC100 mi36.89 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used2,355 L622 US gal518 UK gal1,965 L519 US gal432 UK gal
Annual fuel cost4,121 LC/year3,439 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Volkswagen Touareg I (7L) Facelift 2006 6.0 W12

  • Has 62 hp more
  • Has 70 Nm more
  • Has 20 km/h (12 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 4 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest
  • Smallest trunk
  • Highest CO2 emissions

Mercedes-Benz M-class (W164) ML 550 V8

  • Is 295 kg lighter
  • Is 0.1 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 2.6 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 88 km (55 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 51 L more trunk volume
  • Emits 64 g/km less CO2

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Lowest top speed

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Volkswagen Touareg I (7L) 6.0 W12
Mercedes-Benz M-class (W164) ML 550 V8
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Volkswagen Touareg I (7L) · Facelift 2006 6.0 W12 vs Mercedes-Benz M-class (W164) ML 550 V8 - car comparison - FastVsFaster